THE FINANCIER
portant of the two, and that, as Bonhag suspected, he
still had money. And so, entirely aside from Warden
Desmas's recommendation, which was given in a very
quiet, non-committal way, Bonhag was interested to see
what he could do for Cowperwood for a price. He was
actually afraid that if he did not do something, Steger,
who looked very important to him, and Wingate, who had
a very considerable air as a business man, although he
was not a remarkable one, might say something to Desmas,
whom he fancied they knew. Cowperwood might com-
plain, and the latter not being like those friendless
creatures in the other cells who had no one to speak their
woes to, Bonhag would be in danger of criticism on some
score. Trust the sycophant promptly to see on which
side his bread is buttered.
The day Cowperwood was installed here, having been
brought over by Chapin, Bonhag lolled up to the door,
which was open, and said, in a semi-patronizing way,
"Got all your things over yet?" It was his business to
lock the door once Cowperwood was inside it.
"Yes, sir," replied Cowperwood, who had been shrewd
enough to get the new overseer's name from Chapin;
"this is Mr. Bonhag, I presume?"
"That's me," replied Bonhag, easily and curiously.
He was anxious to study Cowperwood, to see what type
of man he was. The latter was more than a match for
the situation. His manner betrayed just that amount
of deference and confidence, without sycophancy, which
would be grateful to the thick - witted overseer. He
wanted to patronize Cowperwood, and yet to be con-
sidered by him. Exactly what he expected he received.
Cowperwood was alert, courteous, industrious. He fell
into an easy conversation with this master of the hall
which was confiding and yet not familiar. In a reserved
way he described Mr. Chapin and his pleasure in being
with him.
"You'll find it a little different down here from up
7 2 I